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Springboks Japan-bound

Cape Town - Finding extra technical advantage at next year’s Rugby World Cup will be the focus for a delegation of leading personnel from the South African Rugby Union (SARU), who will visit Japan next week on invitation of apparel sponsor, ASICS.

The delegation of 12, which will be led by SARU CEO Jurie Roux and national coach Heyneke Meyer, will also include eight Springboks in Jean de Villiers, Bismarck du Plessis, Pat Lambie, Tendai Mtawarira, Willie le Roux, Duane Vermeulen, Eben Etzebeth and Cornal Hendricks, as well as members of management.

“We have established an excellent relationship with our apparel sponsor and this is part of the deepening of the bond through the sharing of heritage, pride and experience which we hope will lead to success on the field,” said Roux.

“The players will work closely with ASICS to ensure the kit for next year’s Rugby World Cup is the best in the world because these small margins can make a massive difference on the field.”

They will be joined by representatives from the sponsors in South Africa and Europe on the visit to the headquarters of the Springboks’ technical sponsor.

As part of their visit to Japan, the South Africans will conduct a coaching clinic at a school in Osaka, visit the ASICS Institute of Sport Science (ISS) in Kobe to undergo testing and research, which will include testing of the Rugby World Cup apparel for 2015 and visit the ASICS headquarters and museum.

The delegation will also meet with the leadership of the sponsors and the Mayor of Kobe, as well take part in various media and PR activities in the country which will host the Rugby World Cup in 2019.

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